We have been talking about our need for daily nourishment in our relationship with Jesus for a couple weeks now, and how not doing so negatively impacts worship (personal and congregational). Last week we talked about some ways we could fight the “I’m too busy” lie by making our relationship with God first priority. This means it is the most important item in the schedule, and everything else we do, everywhere else we go, fits in after that. God promises to make all things work together for our good (Romans 8:38), and He also promises to meet every single need we have (Philippians 4:19), and we can trust His word completely. He never fails (Numbers 23:19). 

This week I want to address the “I’m just not into worship – it’s not my thing” lie. And yes, that is a lie – worship is for every creation of God. Even the inanimate objects He created declare His greatness (see Psalm 19:1-6), and all of His creatures with voices are commanded to worship and praise Him (see Psalm 148). If you’re thinking to yourself right now, “That’s just the Old Testament; we’re living in different times now,” check out Hebrews 13:15: Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. That “us” is us, people! We are commanded to 1. acknowledge His name (that means to make it known, to make it famous) and 2. offer Him a continual (as in all day long) offering of praise with our lips.  Everyone is to be about this task of worship – no excuses, no loopholes, no exceptions. 

• There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven… He has made everything appropriate in its time. Ecclesiastes 1 & 11. 
• Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat? Or What will we drink? Or What will we wear for clothing? All these things the Gentiles eagerly seek, and your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
• And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19 

If I am interpreting these Scriptures accurately, God is saying to each of us that there is time in our schedules to do everything He wants us to do. And when we put His things first – make our spiritual relationship with Him our first priority– He will make everything else fall into place. He is intimately aware of our needs, even before we ask Him (see Matthew 6:8), and He alone has the power to meet them. And He will meet them – every time! 

Let’s start today trying to put our relationship with God first. Make Him the first Person you speak to when you awaken each morning. Instead of scrolling while you have breakfast, read a small portion of His Word and pray for a minute or two. Check in with Him often during your day – in the car, in the breakroom, on your walk, in line at the grocery store. Notice the blessings He’s pouring over you as they come during the day and say, “Thank You!” Before going to sleep check in with Him and thank Him again for the blessings of the day and for His protection and provision. Mention your concerns to Him and tell Him you trust Him to take care of them. 

See you on Sunday!

    Careen